In the upscale shopping area of Newport Beach, California, on July 2, 2024, a tragic incident occurred that resulted in the death of Patricia 'Trish' McKay. The wife of Doug McKay, a prominent businessman and former chair of Bank of New Zealand and Auckland Council in New Zealand, was killed during an attempted robbery at Fashion Island mall.
According to various sources, including the Orange County District Attorney's Office and local news outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, two men approached Doug and Patricia McKay outside the shopping center with guns. One of them put a gun to Doug McKay's head and forced him to the ground. The other suspect attempted to take Patricia McKay's shopping bags, dragging her into the street in the process.
Doug McKay bravely jumped in front of his wife to protect her, but unfortunately, she was run over by the suspect's vehicle and killed at the scene. The suspects then fled north toward Los Angeles with speeds up to 110mph.
The three men involved in this incident have been identified as Leroy Ernest Joseph McCrary, Malachi Eddward Darnell, and Jaden Cunningham. McCrary had a previous record of armed robbery in Santa Monica but was placed on probation instead of serving prison time.
The tragic event left the McKay family and friends in shock. Doug McKay released a statement expressing his sadness, while New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Patricia McKay on social media.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal safety and the potential consequences of criminal activities.